Ex-Forces Association has expressed its heartfelt gratitude and welcomed the “landmark steps” taken by the current government to ensure justice for retired, removed, and dismissed officers of the armed forces who have long suffered from discrimination and political vendetta.
The appreciation was conveyed during a special discussion titled “Government initiatives to establish justice for deprived military officers: Gratitude, evaluation and future expectations,” held Saturday at the Eagle Hall of RAWA Club in the capital.
Speakers at the event highlighted that, due to the dedicated efforts of the Adviser for Defence and Armed Forces Affairs, Brig Gen (retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam, and the sincere initiative of the chief of army staff, the government has decided to rehabilitate 150 deprived officers from the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force in the first phase.
These officers are set to receive retrospective promotions and outstanding financial benefits, a move the association described as a “historic and timely step” towards establishing justice.
The meeting was informed that the process of forming a new high-level board is currently underway to evaluate applications from the remaining deprived military personnel.
Attendees expressed optimism that the defence adviser’s proactive role would lead to the end of long-standing institutional discrimination and restore the self-respect of all affected members.
The adviser’s leadership in the modernisation, professional development, and positive reform of the armed forces was highly praised.
Addressing the gathering, the President of the Ex-Forces Association, Lieutenant (retd) Saifullah Khan Saif, asserted that the armed forces are not the property of any specific political party or group.
He described the military as the ultimate sanctuary for the country’s independence, sovereignty, and national security, representing a symbol of unwavering trust for 160 million people.
Saifullah emphasised that it is now a “demand of the times” to create a strong, neutral, and institutional “protective shield” to ensure that no military member faces discrimination due to political considerations, vengeance, or unwanted interference in the future.
Senior military officials present at the meeting also noted the prime minister’s recent visit to summer military exercises, an initiative facilitated by the defence adviser, as a “landmark and exemplary event.”
They added that such direct involvement by the state’s highest political leadership elevates the military’s confidence, professionalism, and mutual coordination to new heights, serving as a model for future heads of state and defence ministers.
In its concluding remarks, the association urged the government to expedite the settlement of all remaining files concerning deprived personnel and to ensure their swift rehabilitation, promotions, and all entitled financial and other benefits.
The discussion was attended by retired senior officers of various ranks, former military members, valiant freedom fighters, defence researchers, media personalities, and representatives of civil society.
